Scottish Gossip: Carlton Cole can be a 'leader' for Celtic

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Celtic boss Ronny Deila says Carlton Cole can be a "leader in the group" as the 31-year-old former West Ham striker prepares to join the Scottish champions in training this week. (Various)

Hearts head coach Robbie Nielson thinks Aberdeen have "a good chance" of winning the title after the Dons won 3-1 at Tynecastle yesterday. (Scotsman)

Aberdeen midfielder Niall McGinn loves being at the top of the league but is refusing to discuss a title challenge until March. (Daily Record)

Hearts have offered Belgian midfielder Arnaud Djoum a contract and are hoping the 26-year-old will sign before Wednesday's League Cup visit to Kilmarnock. (Edinburgh Evening News)

St Johnstone midfielder Liam Craig insists the Perth side carry the threat to oust unbeaten Rangers from the League Cup at Ibrox tomorrow. (Daily Mail)

Rangers striker Kenny Miller is not worried about facing a Premiership side in the League Cup, saying the Championship leaders have the quality to hurt any side. (Herald)

OTHER GOSSIP

Ahead of Wednesday's Pool B meeting in Gloucester, Japan head coach Eddie Jones is warning Scotland "lightning could strike twice" at the World Cup. The Cherry Blossoms shocked South Africa with a 34-32 win on Saturday. (Daily Mail)

Scotland flanker Ryan Wilson says it is important to keep the penalty count down against Japan, who only had three handling errors in 80 minutes against the Springboks. (Daily Record)

Andy Murray will re-examine his schedule for the rest of the year after leading Great Britain to their first Davis Cup final since 1978. (Various)

Belgium, who will be the home side in November's final, have not reached this stage of the Davis Cup since 1904. (Various)